Is kx125 1998 a good bike to start on?

[JoshCragg]

So I am very new to Biking, having spent only about 20 hours at the Kawasaki sandpit on a cheapo china rip-off 150cc 4 stroke. (have had a brief spin on kawasaki 250 four stroke too)

the poor old bike was a good way to get into with no $$ but is struggling in the sand (not enough power and just to small)

I weigh 70kg and pretty dam tall. I am looking at getting a better bike now that i have the $$ saved up. approx $2500-$3000.

I am looking at a 1999 KX125, but wonder if it will have enough power and will handle the sand?

would i be better of with a 250??

any help would be appreciated!

[scott411]

the 125 would be a good choice, nice and light and cheap to rebuild if anything goes wrong,

[oldskool]

So I am very new to Biking, having spent only about 20 hours at the Kawasaki sandpit on a cheapo china rip-off 150cc 4 stroke. (have had a brief spin on kawasaki 250 four stroke too)

the poor old bike was a good way to get into with no $$ but is struggling in the sand (not enough power and just to small)

I weigh 70kg and pretty dam tall. I am looking at getting a better bike now that i have the $$ saved up. approx $2500-$3000.

I am looking at a 1999 KX125, but wonder if it will have enough power and will handle the sand?

would i be better of with a 250??

any help would be appreciated!

Yep I've grown to like my little KX, handles corners better the more you cane it. I'm 5'8 and weigh 86kg. Sometimes I find the low end power lacking, specially up long steep hills but then again I prefer 4 strokes. Best part about it for me is when you line it up on a straight and open the throttle wide, the hit is nice. I've just got back into riding after 20yrs, been riding now for about 30 hours in the last 5 months and I reckon by next summer I'll be ready for a 250, because it's too much hard work for me doing the hill climbs on a 125. I'll most probably end up with a 250 4T. With a 250 there should be enough power on tap regardless of the speed you're doing.

[cave weta]

hey there welcome to KB and yep what a good choice! - the 125 will keep you happy till next year. now that you will be moving through those trees at woodhill faster make sure you have some body armour and good gloves etc. hand guards are a good investment.
The 125 will rip through there. try going to the max size tyre on the rear to get some floatation in that sand if that is where you will be riding mostly. Try a 120 if it will fit.
and have a serious look at some of the coaching days available. there is nothing worse than riding alone and picking up bad habits!
woodhill is a reasonablly safe environment and help is never too far away, but if you get out into the areas like where I ride, you have to look after yourself.
always carry plug and spanner and tools for removing wheels - and wire cutters. on anMX bike carrying a tiedown or rope is good then you can lash it to a tree on an angle if you need to get a wheel off with no side stand.
In fact hell- come and do a 1/2 day- $90 trailskills course with me and then you will know all the good stuff! http://www.overthetopadventures.co.n...ing-clinic.htm

[vazza]

125 I reckon mate! I started off on a 98 kx 125 haha:P!

[Taz]

I would highly recommend a KDX200 over the KX125.

[oldskool]

I would highly recommend a KDX200 over the KX125.

that's funny!

[green machine]

I would highly recommend a KDX200 over the KX125.

I liked mine........but wait for the knockers

[vr4king]

Learn on a 125 and get good on it youll haul ass after that

They are a good bike to teach you good riding habits
And I agre with oldfulla they do suck on the hills but hey you cant have everything

Been wandering if a FWW will help on the hills?

[cave weta]

that's funny!

snot funny if you are a dedicated trail rider!- look what you get as extras..
low down power, sidestand, headlight, toolkit. flywheel weight.
Keeping a 125 on the boil in the sandpit must be hard on the clutch.

[FROSTY:Me]

Ive had two (unfortunately due to theft past tense) KX125's both bloody nice bikes to ride.
What I like is the suspension is really well matched to the bike making it very easy to ride precisely -its light and easy to toss around and its got a bloody good belt of power for thrills.
Funnily enough I found it easy on the big hills to ride. Just need to give the poor clutch a hiding.
What i have found buying and selling trailees is that maintainence history is much more important than the age.

[oldskool]

The original posting is asking whether the KX125 is a good bike to start on, not to compare it against the heavier and more expensive and older (for the same money) KDX200.

[Taz]

OK I'll qualify my statement. I started on a KX125 and then moved onto a kdx later. For trail riding the KDX is better in every way. MX is different of course. I realise that the KDX is not as sexy as a KX but I'd rather be faster for longer than worry about image. If the OP must get a 125 I'd recommend the YZ125 over a KX of the same vintage it's a much better bike. My opinion only but based on experience.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-210245068.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-209668504.htm

There goes your older dearer argument too Oldskool.

[noobi]

The original posting is asking whether the KX125 is a good bike to start on, not to compare it against the heavier and more expensive and older (for the same money) KDX200.

woohoo 500 posts 4 u

dont let BOOOOM near this thread :catfight:

if you can afford it a fatty and a shorty as a pipe muffler combination wouldnt be a bad thing if the bike is just for trails, because iv heard that combo absolutely kills top end fwiw

[JoshCragg]

sweet thanks for all the pointers. i think i will be going with the kx125.
ill save up for a bigger one in the future

and ave wetta, Sounds like a mint idea. I may round up a couple of the newbies i am learning with and head you way one day soon once i get my new bike.